Columns

I fail to understand why the City of Las Vegas does not thrive. We have a mild seasonal climate, a major interstate highway, Amtrak Station, two postgraduate institutions, several radio stations, golf course, major hospital/dental services, endless real-estate opportunities, an airport to accommodate small jets, diverse recreational opportunities, low crime and what I consider a kind, quaint and friendly atmosphere.

Last weekend, over 50 members of the Progressive Democrats of America arrived from all over the country for an intense strategic planning session.

When I entered the Plaza Hotel Ballroom, the mainly middle-aged men and women were already seated. I was introduced to Donna Smith, the executive director. Within thirty seconds, we discovered our mutual love for Hackney’s Onion Loaf, the speciality of a neighborhood restaurant on the street where I live part of the year in Chicago.

Hold on to your hat, we’re closing in on the final couple of weeks of this 2017 New Mexico legislative session. The last day of the session is March 18, so there will be a flurry of activity in the days ahead as the intensity of lawmaking increases.

The session will be remembered for its budget, of course, because that’s what will keep state government open. But there is always the possibility that a major reform or two will be passed into law as well.

Almost daily we read or hear about someone who’s upset over not being allowed to use a restroom of his/her choice.

When I taught at Highlands, the word “gender” referred to grammatical terms such as he or she. It wasn’t used to describe sex, as in male or female. But in the past few years, an issue — which I won’t dare try to officiate — regarding which restroom one should occupy, has become big news.

One of the most difficult tasks we face in crafting a balanced budget is rebuilding New Mexico’s budget “re-serves,”the stash of cash that helps state government get through unexpected economic downturns and keeps the state’s credit rating high.

Rebuilding the budget reserves — the goal is to have a cushion of between five percent and 10 percent of the amount of money we spend each year — is critical for a couple of reasons.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND — One of the more memorable lines in a locally-produced play called “The Odd Couple” was about a minor character, a card player named Vinnie, who decided to vacation in Florida in the summer. I played the role of Vinnie, and during rehearsals often wondered who in all creation would even think of such a trip at such a place.

As state budget talks continue, New Mexico’s counties are asking Governor Martinez and the New Mexico Legislature to take a careful look at the services provided by county government, and especially those programs financed by funds that are now being depleted.